Can you use anti slip mat material on the claw of a robot and it not be illegal or disqualified for the over under vex competition? I am worried that it is not legal material, though I saw videos of robots using it on the internet. Thanks for any guidance!
What rule in the game manual makes you think that putting anti-slip mat on your claw would be illegal?
When you go to the Vex robotics web page for parts, you will see on each product listing whether the part is legal for competition. For example, anti slip mat is found here:
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I appreciate the guidance, I was just making sure it would be OK to use.
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Just make sure your mat is the one from VEX, or is able to be cut from a 12x15 sheet. I ran into this problem designing endgame blocking for Spin Up, as I believe its legality is ambiguous or it is technically illegal to use non-VEX mats. However, if it doesn’t exceed the original dimensions and does not grant any competitive advantages, I’m sure you will be fine.
Something to be aware of- if you are going to purchase non-slip mat from a source other than VEX, make sure that you purchase a product that is identical to what VEX sells. Stores like Walmart sell non-slip mat in many colors, but VEX only sells black. Years ago we used to use any color, but last year there was a Q&A that stated that only black is legal. I don’t think it has been asked this year, but to be on the safe side it is probably best to stick with black.
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For some clarification regarding this, is the use of non-VEX anti-slip mats allowed?
For anti-slip mats made by VEX, they are clearly legal with their listing on the product pages, but this interpretation would mean that mats not by VEX would be illegal as per R6 and R7. This contrasts with the implied guidance given in this REC Library article on inspection rule clarifications. It lists specifically (under illegal examples of R7 the following:
The 2nd image is non-VEX anti-slip matting (black, but too large). Anti-slip matting must be black in color, and no single piece can exceed a size of 12”x15” per the VEX product listings.
I think that these implications are guidance on how to spot illegal uses of anti-slip mats and not an official determination that using anti-slip mats not by VEX is legal as long as it is black and within size. If you can find the Q&A that would specify allowing the use of non-VEX mats do let me know.
There is a team in my region that has more of a burgundy/maroon color, they have had it for the last two competitions and are fine.
Great that they are “fine”… but does not mean legal…
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